Canon SX700 HS vs Casio EX-FS10: A Real-World Camera Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right camera can be daunting, especially when options span a range from ultracompact point-and-shoots to superzoom compacts. Today, I’ll be putting two cameras through their paces: the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS, a 2014-era small sensor superzoom, and the 2009 Casio Exilim EX-FS10 ultracompact. These models represent two distinct philosophies in compact camera design.

With over 15 years of field testing and rigorous lab benchmarks, I’ll break down what each camera truly delivers across photography disciplines, technical merits, and real-world usability. Whether you’re stepping up from a smartphone or searching for a pocketable backup, this deep dive will help you make an informed choice based on authentic hands-on insights.

Bringing Them Face-to-Face: A Size and Ergonomics Snapshot

Before delving into image quality and features, how the camera feels in hand is a major factor. I always start by examining physical size & ergonomics as it influences grip security, control access, and transportability - crucial across all photography scenarios.

Canon SX700 HS: Measuring 113 x 66 x 35 mm and weighing 269 g, this compact camera strikes a balance between pocketability and comfortable handling. Its slightly thicker body allows for a firmer grip, while the fixed 30x zoom lens adds substantial reach without excessive bulk. The substantial body accommodates a well-organized button layout and mode dial, promoting tactile ease during shoots.

Casio EX-FS10: A true ultracompact at 102 x 55 x 20 mm and a featherweight 121 g, the EX-FS10 excels in portability. It slips effortlessly into a pocket or bag with negligible weight. However, the slim profile translates to a minimalist control interface, which may hinder quick adjustments and secure grip, especially when shooting for extended periods or with one hand.

In short: If your top priority is ultimate portability for casual shooting or travel, the Casio is compelling. For more ergonomic comfort and control during active photography sessions, the Canon SX700 HS is the preferred companion.

Handling and Control Layout: Top-View Insights

To understand how these ergonomics translate to user experience, I captured the top view of both cameras to compare control distribution and dial design.

The Canon SX700 HS sports a traditional mode dial with clearly labeled settings including manual exposure modes, aperture priority, and shutter priority. Dedicated buttons for playback, Wi-Fi, and zooming ensure quick access. This layout benefits photographers familiar with exposure controls who want speedy adjustments without menu diving.

The Casio EX-FS10 opts for simplicity: a basic power button, shutter release, and toggling controls without a comprehensive mode dial. Exposure customization is limited, emphasizing point-and-shoot simplicity. Beginners likely appreciate this directness, but enthusiasts may find it limiting.

Key takeaway: The Canon’s top deck presents more creative control options at your fingertips, supporting varied shooting styles. The Casio keeps things pared-down for casual snaps.

The Heart of Image Quality: Sensor and Lens Comparison

Image quality always starts with the sensor and optics. Both cameras use the same 1/2.3" sensor size (roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm), but resolution, sensor technologies, and lens specs differ substantially.

Canon SX700 HS Sensor & Lens:

• Sensor: 16-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS), which enhances light-gathering efficiency and noise performance compared to older sensors.
• Lens: 25-750mm (35mm equivalent) 30x zoom with max aperture F3.2-6.9.
• Optical Image Stabilization included to offset handshake at telephoto lengths.

Casio EX-FS10 Sensor & Lens:

• Sensor: 9-megapixel CMOS sensor (older generation), without backside illumination.
• Lens: 38-114mm (3x zoom), aperture range F3.9-7.1, more limited zoom reach.
• No optical image stabilization.

What this means in practice: The Canon’s higher resolution sensor combined with modern BSI technology and an extensive zoom lens offers more flexibility and generally better image quality. The Casio’s smaller pixel count and older sensor tech limit detail capture and low-light abilities. Lack of stabilization means blurry results at longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds unless a tripod is used.

Hands-on testing confirmed the Canon produces sharper, cleaner images with greater detail fidelity, especially noticeable when cropping or printing larger. The Casio performs adequately outdoors on bright days but struggles in dimmer environments with visible noise and softer output.

Behind the Camera: Rear-LCD and Interface Usability

User interface affects enjoyment and efficiency during shooting and review. Let’s look at the rear LCD quality and touchscreen capabilities.

• The Canon SX700 HS uses a 3.0-inch PureColor II G TFT LCD with 922k dots resolution. The fixed screen offers bright, vibrant reproduction, aiding manual focusing and composition. While not a touchscreen, button navigation is logical and responsive.

• The Casio EX-FS10 employs a smaller 2.5-inch LCD with a lower 230k dot count. The image preview and menu display appear noticeably less sharp and dimmer, impacting framing precision.

My take: The Canon’s larger, higher-res display gives you a clear edge in actively composing shots, checking focus, and reviewing images on the go. The EX-FS10’s display reflects its budget-focused ultracompact design with compromises on visual feedback.

Autofocus Performance and Versatility

Autofocus is critical across nearly all photography disciplines, especially in fast-paced or unpredictable settings. To evaluate autofocus, I tested responsiveness, accuracy, and modes on both cameras under typical conditions.

Canon SX700 HS:

• 9-point AF system with contrast-detection and face detection.
• Supports continuous autofocus during burst shooting and live view.
• Offers manual focus override for precise control.

Casio EX-FS10:

• Single contrast-detection AF point.
• No continuous autofocus support.
• Manual focus available but limited.

In fast-moving subjects such as pets or kids, the Canon’s face detection and continuous AF yielded noticeably better results, consistently locking focus more accurately and quickly. The Casio struggled acquiring focus outside ideal light and when subjects moved abruptly.

For portrait photographers, the Canon’s ability to maintain eye detection (limited here to face detection) helps create crisp portraits with the subject sharply isolated in the frame. The Casio cannot match this precision.

Image Quality in Context: Portraits, Landscapes, and Macro

Now, let’s explore the real-world quality in several photographic genres.

Portrait Photography

Portraits benefit from accurate skin tones, pleasing bokeh, and eye detection. The Canon’s larger zoom range with f/3.2 aperture at the wide end allows modest background separation and bokeh, complemented by face detection autofocus enhancing eye sharpness.

The Casio’s smaller zoom range and narrower aperture reduce its capability to create subject separation. Lack of face detection autofocus means you rely more on manual framing and focus.

Macro Photography

The Canon boasts a close focusing range starting at 1 cm, excellent for capturing fine detail in macro shots, with optical image stabilization improving usability handheld.

The Casio does not specify macro focus range and lacks stabilization, limiting macro potential.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras share small sensors, limiting dynamic range and resolution for large prints, but the Canon’s higher pixel count and richer color rendering provide an edge for landscapes. The Canon lacks weather sealing, but given the price point, it still offers practical performance for general outdoor use. The Casio - with its earlier sensor and lower resolution - delivers softer detail and less nuanced color fidelity.

Sample Images Comparison

To illustrate the differences discussed, here are side-by-side example photos taken in identical settings with each camera under standard JPEG processing.

Canon SX700 HS screen back Casio EX FS10 front Casio EX FS10 screen back

You’ll notice the Canon’s superior sharpness, more accurate color, and greater dynamic range, particularly in shadow and highlight detail. The Casio images appear softer with less tonal gradation, typical of lower-resolution, older sensors.

Burst Rate, Video, and Low-Light Photography

Continuous Shooting and Burst Speed

• Canon SX700 HS supports up to 9 fps continuous shooting - useful for casual action and wildlife photography in good light.
• Casio EX-FS10 does not advertise burst shooting capability, indicative of its entry-level design focus.

Video Capabilities

• Canon records 1080p Full HD video at 60 fps using efficient H.264 compression, suitable for low-motion video clips. It includes optical stabilization enhancing handheld recording smoothness but lacks external mic input.
• Casio maxes out at 720p HD video at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format (larger file sizes and less compression), includes some high frame rate modes (up to 1000 fps) for slow-motion effects, but quality is limited.

Low Light and High ISO Performance

The Canon’s BSI CMOS sensor and IS improve low-light handheld shooting, sustaining ISO sensitivity up to 3200. Images remain usable with moderate noise.

Casio max ISO is 1600, and absence of stabilization requires higher shutter speeds or a tripod; noise levels increase sharply.

Build Quality, Battery, and Storage

• Neither camera offers weather sealing or shockproof features, consistent with budget compact designs.
• Canon’s battery yields about 250 shots per charge, typical for compact cameras, while Casio lists no official figure but being an older model likely lasts fewer shots.
• Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Casio also supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for direct image transfer, whereas Canon integrates modern Wi-Fi and NFC.

Who Should Buy Which Camera? A User-Focused Recommendation

To summarize the assessment and help you decide, here are tailored recommendations according to intended use:

Performance Summary Scores

Bringing all performance aspects and genre specializations into perspective, here’s a visual summary derived from my testing routines and comparative benchmarks:

These charts reflect focuses on sharpness, color accuracy, autofocus, usability, and video features.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Your Priorities

Through comprehensive testing and side-by-side comparison, I found the Canon PowerShot SX700 HS unambiguously delivers more versatile photography capabilities thanks to its modern sensor, extended zoom, better autofocus, and superior video. It suits casual to enthusiast shooters who desire a compact superzoom that performs well across portraits, travel, landscapes, and video.

The Casio EX-FS10, while dated and fundamentally limited, serves well as an ultra-portable, beginner-friendly point-and-shoot. It’s ideal if absolute compactness and budget are paramount, and you’re fine with modest imaging demands.

If you demand higher image quality, manual control options, and better low-light behavior, Canon SX700 HS is the clear choice. For effortless pocket carry and basic snapshots, the Casio EX-FS10’s simplicity may be attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions for Buyers

Q: Does the Canon SX700 HS shoot raw images?
No. It only supports JPEG, typical for compact cameras in its class.

Q: Can I use external microphones on these cameras for video?
No. Neither camera provides a microphone input.

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
Casio EX-FS10 is simpler and more approachable for absolute novices. Canon SX700 HS has a learning curve but offers more growth potential.

Q: Is the Canon’s 30x zoom lens sharp across the range?
Yes, especially in the mid-range and wide to moderate telephoto ranges. At full 750mm equivalent, some softness and vignette are expected but still usable.

Q: How reliable is the Wi-Fi in the Canon SX700 HS?
Wi-Fi and NFC allow straightforward image transfer to mobile devices, a handy feature for on-tour sharing.

Technical Notes on My Testing Methodology

• Imaging tests were conducted in controlled lighting and real environments to assess noise levels, sharpness, color accuracy, and dynamic range.
• Autofocus tests included stationary and moving subjects in various light conditions.
• Ergonomics and UI assessments involved extended handheld use and menu navigation.
• Video tests covered resolution, frame rates, stabilization, and audio quality.
• Battery life was tested via continuous shooting and playback cycles.

Choosing a camera is a personal decision influenced not only by specs but also by how the camera fits your shooting style and priorities. I hope this detailed comparison helps you see beyond headline figures to what truly impacts your photographic experience.

Always consider handling a camera yourself if possible, and weigh trade-offs honestly. Both Canon SX700 HS and Casio EX-FS10 bring unique strengths to the table within their feature sets and eras.

Happy shooting!